First high-level stakeholder workshop, Accra, November 28, 2019

The aim of the workshop was to engage with high-level stakeholders and decision makers of the Accra food system. The group of twenty stakeholders included representatives from the relevant ministries (Food and Agriculture, Sanitation and Water Resources, Local Government and Rural Development, Health, Trade and Industry), the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana Standards Authority, NGOs and Civil Society organizations, local environmental, cleansing and health officers from the sub-metropolitan areas around the Agbogbloshie and Makola food markets, and researchers from international organizations (FAO, IFPRI) and the local universities.

Professor Asante, of the NOURICITY team and the University of Ghana, discussing the project plan to the stakeholders

As an introduction, the stakeholders got to learn about the NOURICITY project in general, but also about the outcomes of the local stakeholder workshop for the Agbogbloshie and Makola markets and about the next survey activities and workshops in Ghana. Coincidentally, the workshop was scheduled at the peak of a media boom around the issues of food safety and hygiene at the local markets. This guaranteed good media coverage of the workshop, but also a keen interest from the Ministries and Authorities represented. Such interest will be harnessed to further engage with the same stakeholders in up-coming policy workshops. As wide-ranging changes in the line of legal responsibilities and powers with respect to ensuring appropriate monitoring of food safety and standards in Ghana are taking place, a close collaboration with the Ghanaian authorities will be critical to a successful conclusion of the project.

The stakeholders discussing issues and responsibilities at Accra’s food markets

Press coverage:

“Research into food safety in urban cities begin” (The Daily Graphic, November 2019)